A Moment Of Worry For Di Matteo

Before starting this article, I'll like to commend everyone who read and commented on my article on my first Di Matteo. I was really glad when he was appointed as The Blues full-time manager. It shows the ambition of the Club to move to greater heights and to be ranked among the top teams in the world!

Now that he has been appointed after a successful spell last season, a lot will be expected from the Italian who will above all things try and be the first team to win the Champions league back to back. The Stamford Bridge side will also be competing to win 6 other trophies. (FA Cup, Premier League, Carling Cup, the Community Shield, Super Cup, and the World Club Cup) No wonder Roman Abramovic, the Russian billionaire and owner of Chelsea has been busy in the transfer market shopping for talented and world class players who can help deliver these trophies to the bridge.

Hazard in action for the blues

Drawing from the signings that Chelsea has so far made this summer and going by the muttering through the transfer grapevine, it seems that the issue of squad depth and the average age of the squad are certainly being addressed. Didier Drogba, Jose Bosingwa and Salomon Kalou have bid their goodbyes with the club and have been replaced duly by young, vibrant and talented players.

One intriguing thing about his signings this time is their age. Oscar, Marin, Hazard and Thorgan are within the age bracket of 19-23. Trying to build a new era you might want to say which is a good indication of what lies in wait in the future.

My worry is how Di Matteo plans to manage the squad. As it stands, Chelsea has a very large squad of over 34 first team players and according to the Premier League rules, the maximum number of players to be registered is 25 of which 8 must be "home grown" players. Roman seems not be through with his spending, there's talks of a potential move for Maicon, Cavani and Hulk.

Anyhow, the formation and tactics RDM plans to employ for the coming season may be something like this. As you can see, there are a lot of options to choose from especially in midfield. Hazard,Oscar, Marin and De Bruyne, the latest signings only add to the numerous midfielders previously at the bridge not forgetting the young guns like Romeu, McEachkran, who will be pushing for a first team shirt.

Satisfying these players will be difficult because they will all want to play and I will say rotating the squad will not really help. Players have to play regularly together for them to gel together.In the end, I think some old players will have to leave to give room for the new ones to blend into the system

Likely Exits

Daniel Sturridge: The young English forward who is representing Great Britain at the ongoing Olympics failed to really impress towards the end of last season and may be allowed to leave. Reports have linked him to Liverpool.

Florent Malouda: The 32-year-old became a free agent at the end of the season following the expiration of his contract with the Champions League winners.While reports have claimed that the Frenchman is considering a move to Brazilian outfit Santos, Di Matteo has suggested that a new contract for Malouda could be likely.

Romelu Lukaku: The young Belgian u has reiterated his desire to leave Chelsea on loan if he fails to secure regular football. The 19 year old has been heavily linked with a temporary switch to Fulham

Others: Gael Kakuta, Raul Meireles

Possible arrivals

Pointing to the bridge??

Maicon/Azpilicueta: With only Ferreira left as the only recognised right back (although Ivanovic can also fit into the role) Chelsea will be looking for a cover and the Brazilian alongside the French defender have both been linked for a potential switch.

Hulk/Cavani: With news emanating that Fulham have finalized the loan signing of Lukaku till the end of the season, RDM can look into the market for another striker that will cover for Torres. These two have been long targets for the London club.

Victor Moses: The young Nigerian was impressive last term; one of the reasons why Wigan is still in the EPL. I understand a 9 million pounds bid have been made. Let’s see how it goes.